Our managers and architects said if we can successfully build in this location, then we could probably succeed at building on the moon. The site is located in the very remote village town of Boca de las Vinoramas, B.C.S. Mexico which before this project, did not have public facilities or services and all the area roads were very poor and impassable during certain times of the year. The concept was centered around creating community where this was none. Due to the extreme elements, especially the constant heavy wind, a common area where the community could come together protected from the elements, was essential to the design. A European-style courtyard was an elegant option that delivered comforts such as air, light, privacy, security, tranquility and escape from the elements. Some of the innovative design solutions included LED color shower heads, telescoping window walls, and polished concrete floor-to-ceiling finishes.

However, the star of the show with this project is the sustainable features throughout the property. It was essential for this boutique hotel to have continuous access to the typical resources that hotel guest come to expect. Most building projects request for a permit and simply tap into public utility systems. This was not an option for this locale. Instead, we designed and installed a 100-panel, 32kw solar power system, blackwater reclamation system, multi-stage water filtration system, and a desalination plant. The owners exemplified to the community their dedication to the conservation of the area’s resources by spending more on sustainable systems than the actual cost of construction.

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Portales is a full-service, turnkey architecture and design firm with offices in San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Our design agency offers architecture and design packages or our clients can choose our individual products based on their design needs. We have a construction division with years of experience in building abroad in mainland Mexico and the Baja.